US10122934B2 - Imaging apparatus having an apodization filter and capable of selecting first and second program diagrams - Google Patents

Imaging apparatus having an apodization filter and capable of selecting first and second program diagrams Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US10122934B2
US10122934B2 US15/716,081 US201715716081A US10122934B2 US 10122934 B2 US10122934 B2 US 10122934B2 US 201715716081 A US201715716081 A US 201715716081A US 10122934 B2 US10122934 B2 US 10122934B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
imaging
amount
exposure
case
program diagram
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
US15/716,081
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20180027166A1 (en
Inventor
Akihiro Uchida
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fujifilm Corp
Original Assignee
Fujifilm Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fujifilm Corp filed Critical Fujifilm Corp
Assigned to FUJIFILM CORPORATION reassignment FUJIFILM CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: UCHIDA, AKIHIRO
Publication of US20180027166A1 publication Critical patent/US20180027166A1/en
Priority to US16/149,905 priority Critical patent/US10757338B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US10122934B2 publication Critical patent/US10122934B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H04N5/2352—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B7/00—Control of exposure by setting shutters, diaphragms or filters, separately or conjointly
    • G03B7/08—Control effected solely on the basis of the response, to the intensity of the light received by the camera, of a built-in light-sensitive device
    • G03B7/091—Digital circuits
    • G03B7/097—Digital circuits for control of both exposure time and aperture
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B11/00—Filters or other obturators specially adapted for photographic purposes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B13/00—Viewfinders; Focusing aids for cameras; Means for focusing for cameras; Autofocus systems for cameras
    • G03B13/32—Means for focusing
    • G03B13/34—Power focusing
    • G03B13/36—Autofocus systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B7/00—Control of exposure by setting shutters, diaphragms or filters, separately or conjointly
    • G03B7/18—Control of exposure by setting shutters, diaphragms or filters, separately or conjointly in accordance with light-reducing "factor" of filter or other obturator used with or on the lens of the camera
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/50—Constructional details
    • H04N23/55—Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensors; Mounting thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • H04N23/61—Control of cameras or camera modules based on recognised objects
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • H04N23/61—Control of cameras or camera modules based on recognised objects
    • H04N23/611—Control of cameras or camera modules based on recognised objects where the recognised objects include parts of the human body
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • H04N23/66—Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
    • H04N23/663—Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices for controlling interchangeable camera parts based on electronic image sensor signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • H04N23/67—Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
    • H04N23/672—Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals based on the phase difference signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • H04N23/67—Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
    • H04N23/673—Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals based on contrast or high frequency components of image signals, e.g. hill climbing method
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/70—Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene
    • H04N23/71—Circuitry for evaluating the brightness variation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/70—Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene
    • H04N23/72—Combination of two or more compensation controls
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/70—Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene
    • H04N23/745—Detection of flicker frequency or suppression of flicker wherein the flicker is caused by illumination, e.g. due to fluorescent tube illumination or pulsed LED illumination
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/70—Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene
    • H04N23/75—Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene by influencing optical camera components
    • H04N5/2254—
    • H04N5/23209—
    • H04N5/23212—
    • H04N5/23219—
    • H04N5/2351—
    • H04N5/2357—
    • H04N5/238—

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an imaging apparatus comprising an apodization filter, an imaging apparatus body, and a method of controlling the imaging apparatus.
  • APD filter apodization filters
  • JP2005-62733A corresponding to US2005/0041949A1
  • JP2005-62733A corresponding to US2005/0041949A1
  • JP2005-62733A corresponding to US2005/0041949A1
  • the APD filter has an optical characteristic that light transmittance is lower at a position farther from the optical axis. Consequently, a dimming effect obtained by the APD filter becomes larger as an aperture value becomes closer to an open aperture value.
  • the APD filter decreases an amount of peripheral light in only blurred images (out-of-focus points of light and the like), which are out of focus, without decreasing an amount of peripheral light on the image plane, and gives gradation to the outlines of the blurred images, thereby realizing beautiful blurring.
  • blurring occurs in a background of a main subject.
  • it is not necessary to lower a depth of field, and it is necessary for a stop to be opened as much as possible and to be preferably set as a fully open stop.
  • JP2005-62733A describes a method of automatically determining imaging exposure (imaging aperture value and imaging shutter speed) on the basis of a program diagram for APD in a case where the APD filter is inserted in the optical axis.
  • a program diagram for APD hereinafter referred to as a second program diagram
  • a region, in which an aperture value is fixed at the open aperture value is set to be large as compared with a normal program diagram (hereinafter referred to as a first program diagram).
  • a normal program diagram hereinafter referred to as a normal program diagram
  • the imaging shutter speed In a case where the imaging shutter speed is increased, there is a concern about a problem such as flickering. However, in a case of using the APD filter, in order to preferentially generate a blurred image of the background, the imaging shutter speed should be increased.
  • JP1988-206729A (JP-S63-206729A) describes, as in the APD filter, an imaging apparatus which is configured to be capable of inserting and removing a soft focus filter into and from the optical axis.
  • the soft focus filter is a filter for achieving beautiful blurring in blurred images occurring in a background of a main subject.
  • the first and second program diagrams are used.
  • JP1988-206729A (JP-S63-206729A) proposes a method of automatically switching program diagrams in accordance with insertion and removal of the soft focus filter such that it is not necessary for a user to perform the operations relating to the switching of the program diagrams.
  • JP2005-62733A it is conceivable to automatically switch between the first program diagram and the second program diagram in accordance with insertion and removal of the APD filter by applying the technique described in JP1988-206729A (JP-S63-206729A).
  • the second program diagram used in a case where the APD filter is inserted in the optical path is for keeping the depth of field low by preferentially using the open aperture value, and thus it is a premise that the diagram is used in the imaged scene where a blurred image occurs in the background since there is a distance difference between the background and the main subject.
  • imaging may be performed in an imaged scene in which there is no difference in distance between the main subject and the background while the APD filter is inserted in the optical path and a blurred image does not occur in the background.
  • an imaged scene for example, a situation where an image of a painting or the like in doors is captured can be considered.
  • the imaging shutter speed is increased.
  • adverse effects such as flickering may occur under an indoor light source such as a fluorescent lamp.
  • the present invention has an object to provide an imaging apparatus capable of appropriately selecting first and second program diagrams, an imaging apparatus body, and a method of controlling the imaging apparatus.
  • An imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises an imaging element, a stop, a photometric section, an apodization filter, a program diagram storage section, a subject information acquisition section, and an imaging exposure determination section.
  • An imaging element photoelectrically converts incident light so as to output an imaging signal.
  • a stop adjusts a light amount of the incident light.
  • a photometric section performs photometry on the basis of the imaging signal.
  • An apodization filter is disposed on an optical path of the incident light.
  • a program diagram storage section stores a first program diagram and a second program diagram. In the first program diagram, an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a first amount of exposure or less.
  • an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a second amount of exposure, which is greater than the first amount of exposure, or less.
  • a subject information acquisition section acquires subject information on the basis of the imaging signal.
  • An imaging exposure determination section selects the second program diagram in a case where the apodization filter is disposed on the optical path and the subject information satisfies a first condition, selects the first program diagram in a case where the apodization filter is not disposed on the optical path and a case where the apodization filter is disposed on the optical path and the subject information does not satisfy the first condition, and determines one group of an imaging aperture value and an imaging shutter speed, on the basis of an amount of imaging exposure which is calculated from a photometric value obtained by the photometric section.
  • the subject information acquisition section acquires, as the subject information, a subject distance difference between a main subject and a subject farthest from the main subject, and it is preferable that the imaging exposure determination section sets the first condition as a condition in which the subject distance difference is equal to or greater than a threshold value.
  • the subject information acquisition section acquires, as the subject information, a main subject distance which is a subject distance up to a main subject, and it is preferable that the imaging exposure determination section sets the first condition as a condition in which the main subject distance is less than a specific distance and the subject distance difference is equal to or greater than a threshold value.
  • the subject information acquisition section divides an imaging range of the imaging element into a plurality of blocks, calculates a subject distance for each of the blocks, and calculates the subject distance difference and the main subject distance from the subject distance of each of the blocks.
  • a shutter speed corresponding to the second amount of exposure in the second program diagram is faster than a shutter speed corresponding to the first amount of exposure in the first program diagram.
  • the imaging apparatus further comprises a mechanical shutter, and it is preferable that the shutter speed corresponding to the second amount of exposure in the second program diagram is a limit speed on a high speed side of the mechanical shutter.
  • the imaging element has an electronic shutter function capable of making an imaging shutter speed faster than the limit speed.
  • the program diagram storage section stores a third program diagram in which an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a third amount of exposure, which is greater than the second amount of exposure, or less.
  • the imaging exposure determination section selects the third program diagram in a case where the first condition is satisfied and a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied, and selects the second program diagram in a case where the first condition is satisfied and the second condition is not satisfied.
  • the imaging apparatus further comprises a movement detection section that detects an amount of movement of the main subject on the basis of the imaging signal of a plurality of frames.
  • the electronic shutter function is a rolling shutter system, and it is preferable that the imaging exposure determination section sets the second condition as a condition in which the amount of movement is equal to or less than a specific value.
  • the imaging apparatus further comprises a flickering detection section that detects whether or not flickering occurs by calculating a change in luminance value from the imaging signal of the plurality of frames. It is preferable that the imaging exposure determination section sets the second condition as a condition in which the flickering is not detected.
  • the subject information acquisition section acquires, as the subject information, a size of a face of a subject in a case where whether or not the face is present is detected on the basis of the imaging signal, the main subject distance is less than a specific distance, and then the face is present. It is preferable that the imaging exposure determination section sets the first condition as a condition in which the size of the face is equal to or greater than a threshold value in the case where the face is detected.
  • a first lens barrel having an apodization filter and a second lens barrel having no apodization filter are mountable.
  • the imaging apparatus body comprises an imaging element, a stop, a photometric section, a program diagram storage section, a subject information acquisition section, and an imaging exposure determination section.
  • An imaging element photoelectrically converts incident light so as to output an imaging signal.
  • a stop adjusts a light amount of the incident light.
  • a photometric section performs photometry on the basis of the imaging signal.
  • a program diagram storage section stores a first program diagram and a second program diagram. In the first program diagram, an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a first amount of exposure or less.
  • an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a second amount of exposure, which is greater than the first amount of exposure, or less.
  • a subject information acquisition section acquires subject information on the basis of the imaging signal.
  • An imaging exposure determination section selects the second program diagram in a case where the first lens barrel is mounted and the subject information satisfies a first condition, selects the first program diagram in a case where the second lens barrel is mounted and a case where the first lens barrel is mounted and the subject information does not satisfy the first condition, and determines one group of an imaging aperture value and an imaging shutter speed, on the basis of an amount of imaging exposure which is calculated from a photometric value obtained by the photometric section.
  • the imaging apparatus includes an imaging element that photoelectrically converts incident light so as to output an imaging signal, a stop that adjusts a light amount of the incident light, a photometric section that performs photometry on the basis of the imaging signal, an apodization filter that is disposed on an optical path of the incident light, a program diagram storage section that stores a first program diagram in which an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a first amount of exposure or less and a second program diagram in which an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a second amount of exposure, which is greater than the first amount of exposure, or less, and a subject information acquisition section that acquires subject information on the basis of the imaging signal.
  • the method of controlling the imaging apparatus comprises: selecting the second program diagram in a case where the apodization filter is disposed on the optical path and the subject information satisfies a first condition; selecting the first program diagram in a case where the apodization filter is not disposed on the optical path and a case where the apodization filter is disposed on the optical path and the subject information does not satisfy the first condition; and determining one group of an imaging aperture value and an imaging shutter speed, on the basis of an amount of imaging exposure which is calculated from a photometric value obtained by the photometric section.
  • the second program diagram is selected in a case where the apodization filter is disposed on the optical path and the subject information satisfies a first condition
  • the first program diagram is selected in a case where the apodization filter is not disposed on the optical path and a case where the apodization filter is disposed on the optical path and the subject information does not satisfy the first condition. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately select the first and second program diagrams.
  • FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an imaging apparatus of a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an optical characteristic of an APD filter.
  • FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating a relationship between an F number and a T value.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an imaging range divided into a plurality of blocks.
  • FIG. 6(A) is a diagram illustrating an example of an AF evaluation value in an AF area which includes a main subject.
  • FIG. 6(B) is a diagram illustrating a first example of the AF evaluation value in an area other than the AF area.
  • FIG. 6(C) is a diagram illustrating an example of a subject distance with respect to a lens position of a focus lens.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a depth of field and a threshold value.
  • FIG. 8(A) is a diagram illustrating an example of an AF evaluation value in the AF area which includes the main subject.
  • FIG. 8(B) is a diagram illustrating a second example of the AF evaluation value in an area other than the AF area.
  • FIG. 8(C) is a diagram illustrating an example of a subject distance with respect to a lens position of the focus lens.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first program diagram.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second program diagram.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an effect of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of selecting program diagrams in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of selecting program diagrams in a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of selecting program diagrams in a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a third program diagram.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining imaging operations in a rolling shutter system.
  • FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus of a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining detection for an amount of movement.
  • FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of selecting program diagrams in the fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus of a fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of selecting program diagrams in the fifth embodiment.
  • the imaging apparatus 10 is an interchangeable lens type digital camera, and comprises an imaging apparatus body 11 and a first lens barrel 12 which is detachably mounted on the imaging apparatus body 11 .
  • the first lens barrel 12 is a lens barrel which has an apodization (APD) filter 26 (refer to FIG. 2 ).
  • APD apodization
  • the operation section 13 includes a power button 13 A, a shutter button 13 B, a mode switch dial 13 C, and the like.
  • the power button 13 A operates in a case where power of the imaging apparatus 10 is turned on/off.
  • the shutter button 13 B is a two-stage-stroke-type switch which is capable of so-called “half pressing” and “full pressing”.
  • the shutter button 13 B outputs an S1-on signal through half pressing, and outputs an S2-on signal through full pressing which is more pressed than half pressing.
  • the imaging apparatus 10 performs imaging preparation processing such as auto focus adjustment (AF) control or auto exposure control in a case where the S1-on signal is output from the shutter button 13 B, and performs imaging processing in a case where the S2-on signal is output.
  • imaging preparation processing such as auto focus adjustment (AF) control or auto exposure control in a case where the S1-on signal is output from the shutter button 13 B, and performs imaging processing in a case where the S2-on signal is output.
  • the mode switch dial 13 C switches operation modes.
  • the operation modes include a moving image capturing mode, a still image capturing mode, and a reproduction mode.
  • moving image capturing mode moving image capturing is performed by fully pressing the shutter button 13 B during live view display.
  • still image capturing mode still image capturing is performed by fully pressing the shutter button 13 B during live view display.
  • reproduction mode a moving image or a still image stored in a memory 46 (refer to FIG. 2 ) is reproduced and displayed on a display section 44 (refer to FIG. 2 ).
  • no image is recorded, and image display is performed in real time on the display section 44 (refer to FIG. 2 ).
  • a lens barrel mount section 11 A is provided on the imaging apparatus body 11 .
  • a proximal end portion 12 A of the first lens barrel 12 is mounted on the lens barrel mount section 11 A.
  • An electrical contact point 11 B is provided on the lens barrel mount section 11 A. The electrical contact point 11 B comes into contact with an electrical contact point 12 B, which is provided on the proximal end portion 12 A, so as to electrically connect the imaging apparatus body 11 and the first lens barrel 12 .
  • a second lens barrel 14 not having the APD filter 26 is detachably provided in the imaging apparatus body 11 .
  • a proximal end portion 14 A is mounted on the lens barrel mount section 11 A of the imaging apparatus body 11 .
  • an electrical contact point 14 B which comes into contact with the electrical contact point 11 B of the lens barrel mount section 11 A, is provided on the proximal end portion 14 A of the second lens barrel 14 .
  • the first lens barrel 12 has a focus lens 20 , a stop 22 , an identification data (ID) storage section 24 , and the APD filter 26 .
  • the focus lens 20 , the stop 22 , and the APD filter 26 are disposed on an optical axis LA of the first lens barrel 12 , in order from the subject side.
  • the optical axis LA corresponds to an optical path of light incident from the subject.
  • the second lens barrel 14 has a focus lens 20 , a stop 22 , and an ID storage section 25 .
  • the focus lens 20 and the stop 22 are disposed on an optical axis LA of the second lens barrel 14 , in order from the subject side.
  • the focus lens 20 concentrates light incident from the subject, and forms an image thereof. Further, the focus lens 20 moves in a direction of the optical axis LA through driving of a motor 28 A, on the basis of control of a main control section 34 to be described later, and adjusts an imaging distance.
  • the motor 28 A is a stepping motor or a servo motor.
  • the stop 22 adjusts the amount of incident light.
  • the stop 22 moves a plurality of stop blades (not shown in the drawing) through driving of the motor 28 B on the basis of the control of the main control section 34 to be described later, and changes the amount of light incident onto the imaging element 32 to be described later.
  • the motor 28 B is a stepping motor or a servo motor.
  • the ID storage sections 24 and 25 store IDs for specifying kinds of the lens barrels. The IDs are used for specifying whether or not the APD filter 26 is present through the main control section 34 to be described later.
  • the ID storage section 24 of the first lens barrel 12 stores IDs including information that the APD filter 26 is provided.
  • the ID storage section 25 of the second lens barrel 14 stores IDs including information that the APD filter 26 is not provided.
  • the IDs stored in the ID storage section 24 are transmitted to the imaging apparatus body 11 through the electrical contact points 11 B and 12 B in a case where the imaging apparatus body 11 and the first lens barrel 12 are connected. Further, the IDs stored in the ID storage section 25 are transmitted to the imaging apparatus body 11 through the electrical contact points 11 B and 14 B in a case where the imaging apparatus body 11 and the second lens barrel 14 are connected.
  • the APD filter 26 has an optical characteristic that light transmittance becomes lower as the distance from the optical axis LA becomes larger.
  • the APD filter 26 decreases the amount of peripheral light in blurred images (out-of-focus points of light and the like), which are out of focus, without decreasing an amount of peripheral light on the image plane. Due to such an optical characteristic, the APD filter 26 gives gradation to the outlines of the blurred images, whereby it is possible to obtain an apodization effect of realizing beautiful blurring.
  • An amount of dimming of the APD filter 26 becomes larger as the aperture value (F number) of the stop 22 becomes closer to an open value.
  • the F number is an aperture value defined by an effective aperture diameter of the stop 22 , where a transmittance of light within an effective aperture region is not considered.
  • the light transmittance of the APD filter 26 is applied to the light transmittance P of Expression (1), it is possible to obtain the T value in which the optical characteristic of the APD filter 26 is considered.
  • a relationship between the T value and the F number is indicated by a curve shown in FIG. 4 .
  • a difference between the T value and the F number becomes larger as the F number becomes closer to the open value.
  • the amount of dimming becomes almost zero, and thus it is possible to obtain a dimming effect in a region in which the F number is equal to or less than 2.8. That is, a threshold value Fth of the F number capable of obtaining an apodization effect is “2.8”.
  • an AV(F) and an AV(T) defined by Expressions (2) and (3) are described.
  • the AV(F) is an aperture value (AV) corresponding to the F number.
  • the AV(T) is an AV corresponding to the T value.
  • AV ( F ) 2 ⁇ log 2 ( F ) (2)
  • AV ( T ) 2 ⁇ log 2 ( T ) (3)
  • an open aperture value Fmin of the stop 22 is “1.4”.
  • the T value corresponding to the open aperture value Fmin is “2.0”. Consequently, the amount of dimming, which is performed by the APD filter 26 in a case where the stop 22 is set at the open aperture value Fmin, corresponds to a value (value at which the light amount is set to 1 ⁇ 2 thereof) corresponding to one stage of AV.
  • a shutter unit 30 Inside the imaging apparatus body 11 , a shutter unit 30 , an imaging element 32 , a main control section 34 , an image processing section 36 , an AF control section 38 , a subject information acquisition section 40 , an exposure control section 42 , the display section 44 , and the memory 46 are provided.
  • the shutter unit 30 is a mechanical shutter such as a focal plane shutter.
  • the shutter unit 30 is provided to block the optical path between the lens barrel mount section 11 A and the imaging element 32 .
  • the shutter unit 30 performs opening and closing operations by driving the shutter motor 31 on the basis of control of the main control section 34 to be described later.
  • the imaging element 32 photoelectrically converts the incident light which is incident through the shutter unit 30 , and outputs an imaging signal.
  • the imaging signal, which is output from the imaging element 32 is input to the image processing section 36 .
  • the imaging element 32 is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, and has an electronic shutter function. The shutter speed of the electronic shutter function can be controlled by the main control section 34 .
  • CMOS complementary metal oxide semiconductor
  • the main control section 34 comprises a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM) which stores parameters and programs used in the CPU, a random access memory (RAM) which is used as a work memory for the CPU, and the like (any of those is not shown in the drawing). Other processing sections (such as the image processing section, the AF control section, the subject information acquisition section and the exposure control section) are configured by the CPU executing corresponding programs.
  • the main control section 34 is electrically connected to respective sections of the imaging apparatus 10 , and integrally controls the entirety of the imaging apparatus 10 , on the basis of the operation signals which are input from the operation section 13 .
  • the main control section 34 receives the S1-on signal and the S2-on signal from the shutter button 13 B. Further, the main control section 34 specifies the operation modes, which are currently set, by using the mode switch dial 13 C.
  • the main control section 34 receives the IDs from the ID storage sections 24 and 25 through the electrical contact point 11 B.
  • the main control section 34 specifies a kind (whether it is the first lens barrel 12 or the second lens barrel 14 ) of the lens barrel connected to the imaging apparatus body 11 , on the basis of the received ID.
  • the main control section 34 determines whether the APD filter 26 is present, on the basis of the specified kind of the lens barrel. Specifically, the main control section 34 determines that the APD filter 26 is present in a case where the specified lens barrel is the first lens barrel 12 , and determines that the APD filter 26 is not present in a case where the specified lens barrel is the second lens barrel 14 . Then, the main control section 34 transmits the determination result as APD filter information to an imaging exposure determination section 56 .
  • the image processing section 36 generates image data from the imaging signal which is sent from the imaging element 32 .
  • the image processing section 36 transmits the generated image data to the display section 44 and the memory 46 .
  • the display section 44 displays an image based on the image data.
  • the memory 46 stores the image data.
  • the image processing section 36 generates a luminance signal by performing Y/C conversion on the received imaging signal, and transmits the generated luminance signal to the exposure control section 42 .
  • the AF control section 38 executes AF control through a contrast AF method, on the basis of the imaging signal.
  • the AF evaluation value (a value of summation of high-frequency wave components) is calculated on the basis of the imaging signal.
  • the AF control section 38 detects a position (in-focus position) of the focus lens 20 at which the AF evaluation value becomes the maximum, and moves the focus lens 20 to the in-focus position.
  • the AF evaluation value corresponds to the contrast of the image.
  • An AF area, in which the in-focus position of the main subject is obtained, is, for example, a central region of the imaging range.
  • the AF control section 38 calculates the AF evaluation value from the signal included in the AF area in the imaging signal, and thereby detects the in-focus position.
  • the in-focus position is acquired in a state where the stop 22 is open.
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 acquires subject information about a subject within an angle of view, on the basis of the imaging signal.
  • the subject information is a distance difference (subject distance difference) between the main subject and a subject farthest from the main subject.
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 divides the imaging range 48 of the imaging element 32 into a plurality of blocks, calculates the subject distance for each block, and calculates the subject distance difference from the subject distance of each block.
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 divides the imaging range 48 into nine blocks B 1 to B 9 .
  • the block B 5 which is positioned at the center of the imaging range 48 , is the above-mentioned AF area.
  • the block B 5 includes an image of the main subject 49 .
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 uses the in-focus position, which is obtained in the AF area through the AF control section 38 , as the in-focus position (the in-focus position of the main subject 49 ) of the block B 5 .
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 controls the AF control section 38 such that it performs AF control for each block of the blocks B 1 to B 4 and B 6 to B 9 around the block B 5 as the AF area. Thereby, the subject information acquisition section 40 acquires an in-focus position of a subject other than the main subject 49 for each of the blocks B 1 to B 4 and B 6 to B 9 . In addition, the in-focus position is acquired in a state where the stop 22 is open.
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 calculates a subject distance for each of the blocks B 1 to B 9 on the basis of each in-focus position which is obtained for each of the blocks B 1 to B 9 . As shown in FIG. 6(A) , the subject information acquisition section 40 calculates a subject distance up to the main subject 49 (refer to FIG. 5 ), on the basis of an in-focus position L 5 of the block B 5 as the AF area. The subject distance in the block B 5 corresponds to a main subject distance Dm shown in FIG. 6(C) . Further, as shown in FIG.
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 respectively calculates the subject distances up to the subjects other than the main subject 49 , on the basis of the respective in-focus positions of the blocks B 1 to B 4 and B 6 to B 9 other than the AF area. For example, on the basis of an in-focus position L 3 of the block B 3 , a subject distance up to a subject 50 (refer to FIG. 5 ) is calculated.
  • the subject distance in the block B 3 corresponds to a subject distance Dn shown in FIG. 6(C) .
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 calculates a subject distance difference Rx between the main subject distance Dm and the subject distance of the subject farthest from the main subject 49 , by comparing the calculated main subject distance Dm and the other subject distances.
  • the subject distance difference Rx corresponds to a distance difference between the in-focus position of the block including an image of the main subject 49 and the in-focus position of the block including an image of the subject at the longest distance away from the main subject 49 .
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 transmits the calculated subject distance difference Rx to the imaging exposure determination section 56 through the main control section 34 .
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 calculates the distance differences (absolute values of the difference) between the main subject distance Dm and the respective subject distances of the blocks B 1 to B 4 and B 6 to B 9 , and sets the largest distance difference as the subject distance difference Rx.
  • the in-focus position L 3 of the block B 3 is at a longest distance away from the in-focus position L 5 of the block B 5 .
  • ) between the main subject distance Dm and the subject distance Dn of the subject 50 included in the block B 3 is largest, and the distance difference is set as the subject distance difference Rx.
  • the threshold value Rth is n times the depth of field DOF in a case where the stop 22 is open.
  • the constant n is set as a value equal to or greater than 0.5.
  • FIG. 6(B) in a case where the subject distance difference Rx satisfies a relationship of Rx ⁇ Rth, a blurred image tends to occur in the background of the main subject 49 .
  • FIGS. 8(A) to 8(C) in a case where the subject distance difference Rx satisfies a relationship of Rx ⁇ Rth, a blurred image is hard to occur in the background of the main subject 49 .
  • FIG. 8(A) shows the in-focus position L 5 of the AF area (block B 5 ) including the main subject 49 .
  • FIG. 8(B) shows a subject distance difference Rx in a case where Rx ⁇ Rth is satisfied.
  • FIG. 8(C) shows the main subject distance Dm of the main subject 49 , and a subject distance Dn of the subject 50 farthest from the main subject 49 .
  • the exposure control section 42 determines an amount of exposure, a shutter speed, and an aperture value (hereinafter referred to as an amount of imaging exposure, an imaging shutter speed, and an imaging aperture value) which are optimal for imaging, on the basis of the luminance signal.
  • the exposure control section 42 comprises a photometric section 52 , a program diagram storage section 54 , and an imaging exposure determination section 56 .
  • the photometric section 52 calculates a photometric value on the basis of the luminance signal which is sent from the image processing section 36 , thereby performing photometry on a subject.
  • the photometric section 52 transmits the calculated photometric value to the imaging exposure determination section 56 .
  • the program diagram storage section 54 stores a first program diagram P 1 , which is shown in FIG. 9 , and a second program diagram P 2 which is shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the first and second program diagrams P 1 and P 2 show the exposure value (EV), the AV, and the time value (TV) satisfying Arithmetic Expression (4) of an additive system of photographic exposure (APEX).
  • APEX Arithmetic Expression (4) of an additive system of photographic exposure
  • TV shows an amount of exposure.
  • TV shows a relationship between the shutter speed t (unit: seconds) and Expression (5).
  • TV ⁇ log 2 ( t ) (5)
  • the AV is represented by using the above-mentioned AV(F).
  • the first and second program diagrams P 1 and P 2 are the multi-stage stop type.
  • the imaging aperture value (AV) is prevented from frequently changing in accordance with change in amount of imaging exposure EV calculated from the photometric value.
  • the first program diagram P 1 is used basically in a case where the second lens barrel 14 not having the APD filter 26 is connected to the imaging apparatus body 11 .
  • an aperture value is fixed at the open aperture value Fmin in the region where an amount of exposure is equal to or less than the first amount of exposure EV 1 .
  • EV 1 12.
  • the shutter speed TV 1 corresponding to the first amount of exposure EV 1 is “11”.
  • the second program diagram P 2 is used basically in a case where the first lens barrel 12 not having the APD filter 26 is connected to the imaging apparatus body 11 .
  • an aperture value is fixed at the open aperture value Fmin in the region of a second amount of exposure EV 2 or less.
  • the second amount of exposure EV 2 is a value greater than the first amount of exposure EV 1 .
  • EV 2 14.
  • the region, in which the aperture value is fixed at the open aperture value Fmin is longer than the first program diagram P 1 .
  • the open aperture value Fmin as the imaging aperture value is more preferentially determined.
  • a shutter speed TV 2 corresponding to the second amount of exposure EV 2 is “13”.
  • the shutter speed TV 2 is faster than the shutter speed TV 1 corresponding to the first amount of exposure EV 1 of the first program diagram P 1 .
  • the shutter speed TV 2 is a limit speed on a high speed side of the shutter unit 30 .
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 performs predetermined calculation on the basis of the photometric value which is sent from the photometric section 52 , and thereby calculates an appropriate amount of imaging exposure EV. Further, the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the first program diagram P 1 or the second program diagram P 2 from the program diagram storage section 54 through a method to be described later, on the basis of the APD filter information and the subject information which are sent from the main control section 34 .
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines one group of the imaging aperture value and the imaging shutter speed, on the basis of the amount of imaging exposure EV obtained through the calculation, by using the selected program diagram.
  • the main control section 34 respectively sets the imaging aperture value and the imaging shutter speed, which are determined by the imaging exposure determination section 56 , in the stop 22 and the shutter unit 30 .
  • the main control section 34 detects whether or not the first lens barrel 12 or the second lens barrel 14 is connected to the imaging apparatus body 11 in a case where power of the imaging apparatus 10 is turned on through the operation of the power button 13 A, and acquires the ID form the connected lens barrel in a case where connection is detected (step S 11 ). Further, in the imaging apparatus 10 , in accordance with setting of the mode switch dial 13 C, a still image capturing mode or a moving image capturing mode is executed, thereby performing live view display.
  • the AF control section 38 executes the above-mentioned AF control on the AF area as a target (step S 13 ).
  • the image processing section 36 acquires the luminance signal from the imaging signal (step S 14 ), and transmits the luminance signal to the photometric section 52 .
  • the photometric section 52 calculates the photometric value of the subject on the basis of the received luminance signal (step S 15 ), and transmits the photometric value to the imaging exposure determination section 56 .
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 calculates the amount of imaging exposure EV on the basis of the received photometric value (step S 16 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the first program diagram P 1 or the second program diagram P 2 from the program diagram storage section 54 (step S 17 ).
  • the selection operation of the program diagrams of step S 17 is performed on the basis of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 .
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines whether or not the APD filter 26 is disposed on the optical path (whether or not the APD filter 26 is present), on the basis of the APD filter information which is sent from the main control section 34 (step S 31 ). In a case where it is determined that the APD filter 26 is not disposed on the optical path (NO in step S 31 ), the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the first program diagram P 1 from the program diagram storage section 54 (step S 35 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 causes the subject information acquisition section 40 to acquire the subject information (step S 32 ).
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 acquires the above-mentioned subject distance difference Rx as the subject information.
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines whether or not the acquired subject distance difference Rx is equal to or greater than the threshold value Rth (step S 33 ). In a case where Rx ⁇ Rth (YES in step S 33 ), a blurred image tends to occur in the background of the main subject, and thus the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the second program diagram P 2 (step S 34 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the first program diagram P 1 (step S 35 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines imaging exposure (the imaging aperture value and the imaging shutter speed), on the basis of the amount of imaging exposure EV calculated in step S 16 , by using the selected program diagram (step S 18 ).
  • the main control section 34 respectively sets the imaging aperture value and the imaging shutter speed in the stop 22 and the shutter unit 30 (step S 19 ).
  • imaging is executed (step S 21 ).
  • the second program diagram P 2 may be selected, and imaging may be performed.
  • gradation is given to the outline of the blurred image occurring in the background of the main subject, due to the effect of the APD filter 26 .
  • a condition (first condition) of Rx ⁇ Rth may be satisfied, and it may be determined that there is an imaged scene in which a blurred image is hard to occur in the background of the main subject.
  • the second program diagram P 2 which is a program diagram for APD
  • the first program diagram P 1 which is a normal program diagram
  • the imaging shutter speed is increased by adjusting the shutter speed. As described above, in a case where the imaging shutter speed is increased, adverse effects such as flickering may occur under an indoor light source such as a fluorescent lamp.
  • the first program diagram P 1 is selected in the imaged scene. Therefore, adverse effects such as flickering are prevented from occurring. That is, in the imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention, the first and second program diagrams P 1 and P 2 are appropriately selected.
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 sets a condition, in which Rx ⁇ Rth is satisfied, as the condition (the first condition described in the claims) for selecting the second program diagram P 2 .
  • This is a condition for generating a blurred image as a target of the apodization effect.
  • the blurred image is generated to make an image of the main subject, which is in focus, stand out. Therefore, in a case where the main subject distance is small to a certain extent and the size of the main subject within the image is not so large to a certain extent, the main subject cannot be made to stand out. For example, in the imaged scene in which images of buildings and landscapes at long distances are captured, it cannot be expected to obtain an image in which the main subject is made to stand out by using the blurred image.
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 sets a condition (the first condition described in the claims) in which the main subject distance Dm is less than a specific distance, in addition to a condition in which Rx ⁇ Rth is satisfied, and then selects the second program diagram P 2 .
  • the program diagram is selected on the basis of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 .
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 first determines whether or not the main subject distance Dm is less than the specific distance (step S 41 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 acquires the subject distance difference Rx as the subject information (step S 32 ). Then, the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines whether or not the subject distance difference Rx is equal to or greater than the threshold value Rth (step S 33 ). In a case where Rx ⁇ Rth (YES in step S 33 ), the second program diagram P 2 is selected (step S 34 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the first program diagram P 1 (step S 35 ).
  • the other configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.
  • steps S 41 and S 33 correspond to the “first condition” described in the claims.
  • the first program diagram P 1 is selected without the operation of calculating the subject distance difference Rx. Therefore, there is also an effect of increasing the processing of selecting the program diagram.
  • the second program diagram P 2 in the imaged scene in which images of buildings and landscapes at long distances are captured, in a case where the APD filter 26 is disposed on the optical path, the second program diagram P 2 is selected, the open aperture value is preferentially used, and the depth of field is kept low.
  • the first program diagram P 1 in the imaged scene in which images of buildings and landscapes at long distances are captured, even in a case where the APD filter 26 is disposed on the optical path, the first program diagram P 1 is selected. Therefore, the stop is narrowed down, and the depth of field becomes deeper. As a result, it is easy to obtain a sharp image in which all subjects are in focus.
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 sets a condition in which the main subject distance Dm is less than the specific distance, in addition to a condition in which Rx ⁇ Rth is satisfied, and then selects the second program diagram P 2 .
  • a condition in which a size of a face of a person who is detected in the image is equal to or greater than a threshold value, is set. On the conditions, the second program diagram P 2 is selected.
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 receives the image data, which is generated on the basis of the imaging signal sent from the image processing section 36 , and detects whether or not the face of the person within the image is present.
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 stores, in advance, face information about the face of the person such as eyes, a nose, and a mouth, and performs face detection from the image by performing pattern recognition using the face information.
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 calculates the size of the face in a case where the face is detected through the face detection. For example, the subject information acquisition section 40 calculates an area of a region which is detected as the face, in the image.
  • the main subject In the imaged scene in which the main subject is made to stand out by using the blurred image, it is necessary to increase the size of the face, which is the main subject, in the image to a certain extent. Thus, on the basis of the size (for example, the area) of the face, it can be determined whether or not it is possible to obtain an image in which the main subject is made to stand out by using the blurred image.
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 performs the selection of the program diagram, on the basis of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 .
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines whether or not the APD filter 26 is disposed on the optical path, on the basis of the APD filter information (step S 31 ). In a case where it is determined that the APD filter 26 is not disposed on the optical path (NO in step S 31 ), the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the first program diagram P 1 from the program diagram storage section 54 (step S 35 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 causes the subject information acquisition section 40 to acquire the face detection (step S 51 ).
  • the subject information acquisition section 40 detects whether or not the face of the subject is present on the basis of the imaging signal (step S 52 ). In a case where the face is detected (YES in step S 52 ), the subject information acquisition section 40 acquires the size of the face (step S 53 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines whether or not the size of the face obtained by the subject information acquisition section 40 is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S 54 ). In a case where the size of the face is less than the threshold value (NO in step S 54 ), the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the first program diagram P 1 (step S 35 ). In contrast, in a case where the size of the face is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in step S 54 ), the imaging exposure determination section 56 acquires the above-mentioned subject distance difference Rx (step S 32 ). In addition, in step S 52 , even in a case where the face is not detected (NO in step S 52 ), the current process advances to step S 32 .
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines whether or not the subject distance difference Rx is equal to or greater than the threshold value Rth (step S 33 ). In a case where Rx ⁇ Rth (YES in step S 33 ), the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the second program diagram P 2 (step S 34 ). In contrast, in a case where Rx ⁇ Rth (NO in step S 33 ), the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the first program diagram P 1 (step S 35 ). In the second embodiment, steps S 54 and S 33 correspond to the “first condition” described in the claims.
  • the second program diagram P 2 is not selected except for the imaged scene capable of obtaining the image in which the main subject is made to stand out by using the blurred image.
  • the adverse effects such as flickering are prevented from being caused by selecting the second program diagram P 2 .
  • the shutter speed is controlled by the shutter unit 30 , but the shutter speed may be controlled through an electronic shutter function of the imaging element 32 .
  • the shutter speed can be set as a higher speed as compared with the shutter unit 30 as a mechanical shutter.
  • a range, in which the open aperture value Fmin is determined as the imaging aperture value can be extended to the high exposure value side.
  • the program diagram storage section 54 stores a third program diagram P 3 shown in FIG. 15 , in addition to the first program diagram P 1 shown in FIG. 9 and the second program diagram P 2 shown in FIG. 10 .
  • an aperture value is fixed at the open aperture value Fmin at a third amount of exposure EV 3 , which is greater than the second amount of exposure EV 2 , or less.
  • EV 3 16.
  • An imaging shutter speed TV 3 corresponding to the third amount of exposure EV 3 is faster than the shutter speed TV 2 which is a limit speed on the high speed side of the shutter unit 30 .
  • TV 3 15.
  • the imaging shutter speed which is determined in a region which is on the higher speed side than that of the TV 2 , is set using the electronic shutter function of the imaging element 32 .
  • the imaging element 32 performs an imaging operation in the rolling shutter system. As shown in FIG. 16 , the imaging element 32 performs resetting of electric charge, exposure, and reading of accumulated electric charge, for each one pixel row. The reset timing and the readout timing of the charge are different for each pixel row. The time period from the completion of the resetting of electric charge to the start of the reading of electric charge is the same for each pixel row. Therefore, the exposure time period differs for each pixel row. During the live view display or in a case of moving image capturing mode, resetting and reading operations from the first pixel row to the last pixel row are repeatedly performed.
  • the exposure time period differs for each pixel row.
  • distortion may occur in the image of the main subject.
  • the distortion increases as an amount of movement of the main subject increases.
  • the distortion increases as the imaging shutter speed increases. The reason for this is that, in the rolling shutter system, as the imaging shutter speed increases, the overlap between the exposure time periods of respective pixel rows decreases.
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the third program diagram P 3 in a case of satisfying a condition (a second condition described in the claims) in which the amount of movement of the main subject is equal to or less than a specific value, in addition to the case of satisfying a condition of Rx ⁇ Rth (a first condition described in the claims).
  • an imaging apparatus body 70 of a fourth embodiment in addition to the configurations of the imaging apparatus body 11 of the first embodiment, a movement detection section 72 , which detects the amount of movement of the main subject, is provided.
  • the movement detection section 72 detects the amount of movement of the main subject on the basis of an imaging signal of a plurality of frames which is output from the imaging element 32 during the live view display. For example, as shown in FIG. 18 , the movement detection section 72 acquires image data 74 of one frame (first frame), which is obtained at a time t 1 during the live view display, and image data 75 of one frame (second frame), which is obtained at a time t 2 , from the image processing section 36 . The movement detection section 72 divides each of the acquired image data pieces 74 and 75 into a plurality of areas, and calculates luminance values of the areas for each frame. Each of the image data pieces 74 and 75 includes an area which has a specific luminance value corresponding to the main subject 76 .
  • the movement detection section 72 detects an area of which a luminance value changes between frames, thereby detecting the amount of movement of the main subject 76 .
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 performs the selection of the program diagram, on the basis of the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 .
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines whether or not the APD filter 26 is disposed on the optical path, on the basis of the APD filter information (step S 31 ). In a case where it is determined that the APD filter 26 is not disposed on the optical path (NO in step S 31 ), the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the first program diagram P 1 from the program diagram storage section 54 (step S 35 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 causes the subject information acquisition section 40 to acquire the subject distance difference Rx as the subject information (step S 32 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines whether or not the subject distance difference Rx is equal to or greater than the threshold value Rth (step S 33 ). In a case where Rx ⁇ Rth (NO in step S 33 ), the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the first program diagram P 1 (step S 35 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 controls the movement detection section 72 , such that it detects the amount of movement of the main subject (step S 61 ).
  • the movement detection section 72 transmits the detected amount of movement of the main subject to the imaging exposure determination section 56 .
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 determines whether or not the received amount of movement of the main subject is equal to or less than the specific value (step S 62 ). In a case where the amount of movement is equal to or less than the specific value (YES in step S 62 ), the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the third program diagram P 3 (step S 63 ). In contrast, in a case where the amount of movement is greater than the specific value (NO in step S 62 ), the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the second program diagram P 2 (step S 64 ). In the fourth embodiment, step S 33 corresponds to the “first condition” described in the claims, and step S 62 corresponds to the “second condition” described in the claims.
  • the second program diagram P 2 and the third program diagram P 3 are selected, and thereby it is possible to appropriately use the electronic shutter function.
  • the third program diagram P 3 is selected. Therefore, distortion is prevented from occurring in the image of the main subject even in a case where the electronic shutter function of the imaging element 32 is used.
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 sets a condition, in which the amount of movement of the main subject is equal to or less than the specific value, as the condition for selecting the third program diagram P 3 .
  • the third program diagram P 3 is selected on a condition (the second condition described in the claims) that flickering is not detected. The reason for this is that it becomes easier for the image to be affected by flickering as the imaging shutter speed becomes faster by using the electronic shutter function.
  • an imaging apparatus body 80 of a fifth embodiment in addition to the configurations of the imaging apparatus body 11 of the first embodiment, a flickering detection section 82 , which detects whether or not flickering is present, is provided.
  • the flickering is a phenomenon in which temporal light-dark change occurs in the imaging signal in accordance with difference between the imaging frequency and the frequency of the luminance change of a fluorescent lamp which is turned on by a commercial alternate current power supply, in a case where imaging is performed under illumination of the fluorescent lamp.
  • the light-dark change appears as flickering or a striped pattern in the image.
  • the flickering detection section 82 calculates change in luminance value from the imaging signal of the plurality of frames, and detects whether or not flickering is present. As the flickering detection processing, it is possible to use a technique described in JP2005-33616A. The flickering detection section 82 detects flickering on the assumption of cases of 50 Hz and 60 Hz as the frequencies of the luminance change of the fluorescent lamp as described below.
  • the flickering detection section 82 sets the frame rate of the imaging element 32 to 50 Hz and sets the shutter speed to 1/50 seconds, during the live view display, and causes the imaging element 32 to periodically perform an imaging operation.
  • the flickering detection section 82 determines whether or not there is change in luminance value at the center of the angle of view between frames, on the basis of the imaging signal which is output from each frame.
  • the flickering detection section 82 determines that flickering is present in a case where there is change in luminance value.
  • the flickering detection section 82 sets the frame rate of the imaging element 32 to 60 Hz and sets the shutter speed to 1/60 seconds, performs the above-mentioned flickering detection operation, and thereby determines that flickering is present in a case where there is change in luminance value at the center of the angle of view between frames.
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 performs the selection of the program diagram, on the basis of the flowchart shown in FIG. 21 .
  • This flowchart is different from that of the fourth embodiment in that, instead of the amount of movement of the subject, flickering is detected (step S 71 ), and instead of the determination based on the amount of movement, determination based on whether or not flickering is detected is performed (step S 72 ).
  • the imaging exposure determination section 56 selects the third program diagram P 3 (step S 73 ) in a case where the flickering detection section 82 does not detect flickering (NO in step S 72 ), and selects the second program diagram P 2 (step S 74 ) in a case where flickering is detected (YES in step S 72 ).
  • step S 33 corresponds to the “first condition” described in the claims
  • step S 72 corresponds to the “second condition” described in the claims.
  • the second program diagram P 2 and the third program diagram P 3 are selected, and thereby it is possible to appropriately use the electronic shutter function.
  • the third program diagram P 3 is selected. Therefore, flickering is prevented from occurring in the image even in a case where the electronic shutter function of the imaging element 32 is used.
  • the present invention exemplifies an interchangeable lens imaging apparatus from which the lens barrel and the imaging apparatus body are detachable.
  • the present invention can be applied to an integrated type imaging apparatus in which a lens barrel and an imaging apparatus body are integrated.
  • the APD filter is inserted in and removed from the optical path by interchanging the lens barrel.
  • a mechanism, in which the APD filter is inserted in and removed from the optical path may be provided.
  • CMOS image sensor is used as the imaging element 32 , but a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor may be used.
  • CCD charge coupled device
  • the AF control section 38 performs AF control through a contrast AF method, but may perform AF control through a phase difference AF method. That is, the acquisition of the in-focus positions of the blocks, into which the imaging range 48 shown in FIG. 5 is divided, may be performed through the phase difference AF method.
  • exposure control is performed after the shutter button 13 B is pressed halfway. However, also during the live view display before the shutter button 13 B is pressed halfway, exposure control may be performed.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)
  • Blocking Light For Cameras (AREA)
  • Exposure Control For Cameras (AREA)
US15/716,081 2015-03-27 2017-09-26 Imaging apparatus having an apodization filter and capable of selecting first and second program diagrams Active US10122934B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/149,905 US10757338B2 (en) 2015-03-27 2018-10-02 Imaging apparatus capable of determining whether an apodization filter is present or not and selecting first and second program diagrams

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2015-067014 2015-03-27
JP2015067014 2015-03-27
PCT/JP2016/057215 WO2016158247A1 (ja) 2015-03-27 2016-03-08 撮影装置、撮影装置本体、及び撮影装置の制御方法

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2016/057215 Continuation WO2016158247A1 (ja) 2015-03-27 2016-03-08 撮影装置、撮影装置本体、及び撮影装置の制御方法

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/149,905 Division US10757338B2 (en) 2015-03-27 2018-10-02 Imaging apparatus capable of determining whether an apodization filter is present or not and selecting first and second program diagrams

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20180027166A1 US20180027166A1 (en) 2018-01-25
US10122934B2 true US10122934B2 (en) 2018-11-06

Family

ID=57005652

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/716,081 Active US10122934B2 (en) 2015-03-27 2017-09-26 Imaging apparatus having an apodization filter and capable of selecting first and second program diagrams
US16/149,905 Active 2036-06-04 US10757338B2 (en) 2015-03-27 2018-10-02 Imaging apparatus capable of determining whether an apodization filter is present or not and selecting first and second program diagrams

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/149,905 Active 2036-06-04 US10757338B2 (en) 2015-03-27 2018-10-02 Imaging apparatus capable of determining whether an apodization filter is present or not and selecting first and second program diagrams

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (2) US10122934B2 (ja)
JP (1) JP6244062B2 (ja)
CN (1) CN107431764B (ja)
WO (1) WO2016158247A1 (ja)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190037119A1 (en) * 2015-03-27 2019-01-31 Fujifilm Corporation Imaging apparatus capable of selecting first and second program diagrams

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110892709B (zh) * 2017-08-18 2021-06-08 富士胶片株式会社 摄像装置、摄像装置的控制方法及摄像装置的控制程序
WO2019163441A1 (ja) 2018-02-20 2019-08-29 富士フイルム株式会社 絞り制御装置、絞り制御方法、絞り制御プログラム、露光制御装置、露光制御方法、露光制御プログラム、交換レンズ、カメラ本体及びカメラ
US11012634B2 (en) * 2018-06-29 2021-05-18 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image pickup apparatus capable of performing image pickup with reduced flicker influence, method for controlling the same, and storage medium
US10957729B2 (en) * 2019-04-15 2021-03-23 Mediatek Inc. Image sensor with embedded light-measuring pixels and method of automatic exposure control using the same
CN111899615B (zh) * 2019-05-06 2022-08-05 杭州海康威视数字技术股份有限公司 实验的评分方法、装置、设备及存储介质
CN112153245B (zh) * 2019-06-26 2021-09-24 杭州海康威视数字技术股份有限公司 控制方法及摄像机

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS63206729A (ja) 1987-02-24 1988-08-26 Nikon Corp ソフト撮影可能なカメラ
US5764292A (en) * 1994-12-29 1998-06-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image pickup apparatus having a diaphragm and a high-resolution diaphragm
JPH10268382A (ja) 1997-03-21 1998-10-09 Minolta Co Ltd フィルタ交換式カメラ
US20050041949A1 (en) 2003-08-20 2005-02-24 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Light amount adjusting apparatus, optical equipment, optical filter and image-taking apparatus
JP2005062733A (ja) 2003-08-20 2005-03-10 Canon Inc 光量調節装置、撮影装置、及び光学フィルタ
US7113318B2 (en) * 2003-04-30 2006-09-26 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Light amount control apparatus, photographing apparatus, and filter
US7783189B2 (en) * 2007-04-24 2010-08-24 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Imaging apparatus and control method thereof
US8854487B2 (en) * 2008-12-27 2014-10-07 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Imaging apparatus and imaging method
US8896742B2 (en) * 2011-04-01 2014-11-25 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image pickup apparatus, and control method and program thereof

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11289487A (ja) * 1998-04-02 1999-10-19 Sony Corp 撮像装置
JP4428961B2 (ja) * 2003-08-20 2010-03-10 キヤノン株式会社 撮影装置
JP2007243250A (ja) * 2006-03-03 2007-09-20 Olympus Imaging Corp 撮像装置および撮像方法
JP5452329B2 (ja) * 2010-04-06 2014-03-26 富士フイルム株式会社 フィルタ、撮像レンズ、撮像装置および携帯端末機器
JP2012142748A (ja) * 2010-12-28 2012-07-26 Sony Corp 撮像制御装置、撮像制御方法及び撮像制御プログラム並びに撮像装置
JP6244062B2 (ja) * 2015-03-27 2017-12-06 富士フイルム株式会社 撮影装置、撮影装置本体、及び撮影装置の制御方法

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS63206729A (ja) 1987-02-24 1988-08-26 Nikon Corp ソフト撮影可能なカメラ
US5764292A (en) * 1994-12-29 1998-06-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image pickup apparatus having a diaphragm and a high-resolution diaphragm
JPH10268382A (ja) 1997-03-21 1998-10-09 Minolta Co Ltd フィルタ交換式カメラ
US7113318B2 (en) * 2003-04-30 2006-09-26 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Light amount control apparatus, photographing apparatus, and filter
US20050041949A1 (en) 2003-08-20 2005-02-24 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Light amount adjusting apparatus, optical equipment, optical filter and image-taking apparatus
JP2005062733A (ja) 2003-08-20 2005-03-10 Canon Inc 光量調節装置、撮影装置、及び光学フィルタ
US7783189B2 (en) * 2007-04-24 2010-08-24 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Imaging apparatus and control method thereof
US8854487B2 (en) * 2008-12-27 2014-10-07 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Imaging apparatus and imaging method
US8896742B2 (en) * 2011-04-01 2014-11-25 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image pickup apparatus, and control method and program thereof

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
International Preliminary Report on Patentability and English Translation of Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority dated Oct. 3, 2017, issued in PCT/JP2016/057215 (Forms PCT/IB/373 and PCT/ISA/237).
International Search Report dated May 17, 2016, issued in PCT/JP2016/057215 (Form PCT/ISA/210) with an English translation.

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190037119A1 (en) * 2015-03-27 2019-01-31 Fujifilm Corporation Imaging apparatus capable of selecting first and second program diagrams
US10757338B2 (en) * 2015-03-27 2020-08-25 Fujifilm Corporation Imaging apparatus capable of determining whether an apodization filter is present or not and selecting first and second program diagrams

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2016158247A1 (ja) 2016-10-06
US10757338B2 (en) 2020-08-25
JP6244062B2 (ja) 2017-12-06
CN107431764A (zh) 2017-12-01
US20190037119A1 (en) 2019-01-31
CN107431764B (zh) 2018-08-21
US20180027166A1 (en) 2018-01-25
JPWO2016158247A1 (ja) 2018-02-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10757338B2 (en) Imaging apparatus capable of determining whether an apodization filter is present or not and selecting first and second program diagrams
US10244159B2 (en) Image capturing apparatus and control method thereof
US8830338B2 (en) Imaging device
JP6051516B2 (ja) 撮影装置および撮影方法
TWI423664B (zh) 影像裝置與曝光控制方法
WO2013088917A1 (ja) 画像処理装置、画像処理方法、及び記録媒体
US9998682B2 (en) Imaging apparatus, imaging apparatus body, and method of controlling imaging apparatus
US9961269B2 (en) Imaging device, imaging device body, and lens barrel that can prevent an image diaphragm value from frequently changing
US10986262B2 (en) Imaging apparatus, control method, and non-transitory storage medium
JP6151867B2 (ja) 撮影装置、撮影装置本体、及びレンズ鏡筒
US9800776B2 (en) Imaging device, imaging device body, and lens barrel
US10284767B2 (en) Shooting device, shooting method, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing program
US10129486B2 (en) Image capturing apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium
US9769376B2 (en) Imaging device, imaging device body, and lens barrel
US10747089B2 (en) Imaging apparatus and control method of the same
JP2013186369A (ja) 画像表示装置および画像表示方法
JP6727975B2 (ja) 撮像装置、その制御方法とプログラム
JP6476539B2 (ja) 焦点検出装置および撮像装置
JP2013161011A (ja) 撮像装置
JP2013153371A (ja) 撮影装置および撮影方法
JP2004048154A (ja) デジタルカメラ
JP2011019143A (ja) 露光量制御装置および露光量制御方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

AS Assignment

Owner name: FUJIFILM CORPORATION, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:UCHIDA, AKIHIRO;REEL/FRAME:043716/0871

Effective date: 20170703

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 4